September pilgrims.

[Rosina Lila]

Hello,
Linda Davidson's wonderful book, "The Pilgrimage Road to Santiago" describes
San Juan de Ortega (between Santo Domingo de la Calzada and Burgos) in a
manner that makes it irresistible to spend some time there (pages 168 to 170).
Linda's book mentions a calendaric function in "the positioning of the
Annunciation capital in the left transept". What happens, around five o'clock in the
afternoon, on March 21st and on September 22nd is that a ray of afternoon
sunlight illuminates directly first, the Annunciation scene, then it moves to
illuminate the Nativity scene and, finally, it reposes on the scene of the Adoration
of the Magi. The effect takes place over about ten minutes, is very touching
and many of those who flock to see it are moved to tears. The dry-eyed
observers cannot but admire profoundly the architectonic talents of the builders of
the church.
Perhaps some of you who plan to make the pilgrimage in September will be able
to be there at the time.
-All of the small church is admirable. If you do visit it, at any time, do
take the appropriate pages of Linda's book so that you may enjoy the more what
she describes so well.  I liked very much, in particular, the tomb of San Juan
de Ortega with all its panels, and the corners' small figures of medieval
women with books in their hands.  I also liked a lot  the style and effect of the
smallish glassless windows high around the altar's area.
Warm regards,
Rosina